Angelo and Betsy

[x-psylocke.livejournal.com]

Backdated to right after Angelo's return from Mexico. Betsy takes it upon herself to check in on him.



A hush had fallen over the school and it unnerved her. As she walked the silent halls of the student floor, Betsy felt sick at what had happened these past few weeks.

She noticed that Angelo's door was cracked open. She peeked her head inside, telling herself it wouldn't hurt to check in on him. "Angelo?"

Angelo, curled up on the bed, glanced up when the door creaked, and mustered a smile on seeing her. "Hey, Ms. Braddock. Come on in, if you want." He pushed himself into a sitting position, back against the headboard.

She held in her response to grimace at his appearance. Disshelved hair, wane face, and the look of being broken, it was alittle too familiar for her tastes. She still wondered what exactly happened to them all, but perhaps, it wasn't her place to know. "You've had your fair share of adventure these past few weeks, I wanted to see how you were faring?"

Angelo shrugged, trying to appear casual and not entirely succeeding. "Better than yesterday", he answered truthfully, if selectively so.

Betsy took his response to mean she could enter and closed the door behind her. She dragged the chair from his desk over to his bed and sat down. "That doesn't necessairly mean, better overall though, now. Does it?"

Angelo blinked at her for a moment, then looked resigned. "Not really", he admitted quietly. "I've had better days."

"I figured as much." She placed her hand under his chin, tilting his head upward. "But I wanted to make sure you weren't wasting this horrible day on even more dreadful thoughts."

Angelo didn't pull away from her hand. "I haven't been in here all day", he assured her. "Been goin' to class an' stuff - just got a free hour right now."

She studied him for a few moments longer, before removing her hand. "Right. So when was the last time you had anything to eat?"

When she didn't receive an answer right away, she stood up and motioned for Angelo to follow.

Angelo shrugged, stood up in turn and followed her out of the room and to the kitchen.

They made their way to the kitchen, walking in silence. Betsy took several glances over to the collected figure to her left. She didn't like the withdrawn look on his face. But, she had to resolve herself to not push him. If Angelo wanted to talk, he'll come around to it.

When they arrived at the kitchen, Angelo pushed the door open and held it for her automatically before following her inside. He wasn't quite ready to talk about Mexico - yet.

Betsy made her way to the fridge, opening the door and sticking her head inside. She called back to Angelo, who'd taken his seat at the counter. "Breakfast, lunch, or dinner?"

Angelo considered the options before finally answering, "Lunch? It's closest to lunchtime, I think..."

Betsy gave him a mischievous grin, as she brought a collection of sandwich fixings to the counter. "Now, Angelo. You're about to experience the great culinary experience afforded to you by this fine institution. So, please do try and contain your excitement."

Angelo glanced up at her, amused. "Lookin' forward to it", he assured her.

"You better." She started, cutting the corners off the sandwiches. "I don't put my talents to use for just anyone."

Angelo managed a grateful smile, realizing this was the first time he'd seen her in the public areas of the mansion since the whole Kwannon incident. "How're you doin' these days, anyway?" he asked suddenly.

Her smile faded and her hand stopped over the cutting board. Betsy's smile faded as she hesitated to answer Angelo. "I've been well. Trying to keep busy and all that."

Angelo nodded, almost wishing he hadn't asked, since it seemed to have upset her. "Good", he answered simply.

"Right." She finished making the second sandwich and handed the plate filled with chips to him. She looked at Angelo, noticing his slight discomfort. "Don't mind me, I'm still a bit wound up. I'll get over. You don't have to walk on eggshells."

Angelo took the plate with a slight smile. "Okay, if you're sure. Thanks."

They ate in silence, neither one drawing eachother out. After a few more minutes, Betsy broke first."So, what do you plan to do during the summer quarter."

Angelo glanced up at her. "Uh... don't know, actually. Make-up classes, probably - I think I wanna try for college at the end of next year."

"That's always a good goal to strive for. Let me know if you'll need any references. I'm sure I can think of something nice to say." Betsy stood up from her seat and walked over to Angelo. She placed her hand on his shoulder. "As for this summer, I'll guess I'll have to find something to keep your attention."

Angelo looked up with a slight smile. "That'd be really good. Both things. Thanks."

"Never a problem." Betsy grinned and took her leave, but not before saying over her shoulder. "Though you might not be thanking me after you find out what I have in mind. Do rest up, Angelo. You'll definitely need it."